Karen was born and raised in Beijing, China, and has spent the past 24 years living, working, and advancing her education in New Zealand. With 17 years of experience in education, she has worked across various sectors, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as the Ministry of Education in New Zealand.

She holds a BA in Linguistics, an MA in Applied Linguistics, and an Executive MBA from Victoria University of Wellington. These qualifications have deepened her understanding of language education and equipped her with the leadership skills needed to drive meaningful change in education settings.

Throughout her career, Karen has held roles such as classroom teacher, Head of Department, curriculum consultant, assessment advisor, and professional development facilitator. Each of these roles has reinforced her belief that the key to a school’s success lies in the capabilities of its teachers. She is passionate about fostering a student-centered approach, where students are empowered to take an active role in their learning. She believes that with the right tools, skills, and agency, young people can thrive in this ever-changing world.

As the Head of EAL, Karen is committed to supporting teachers in their professional growth and working collaboratively to create a dynamic, inclusive learning environment. She looks forward to leading initiatives that will enhance the EAL program and contribute to the overall success of students and the school community.